Angola 0–0 Egypt: Palancas press but Pharaohs hold firm

Angola and Egypt played out a tense and physical 0–0 draw at the Stade d’Agadir on Monday night, as the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 group stage continued to deliver tight, high-intensity encounters.

While the scoreline remained unchanged, the match was far from short on drama. Angola enjoyed the better of the contest, particularly in the second half, but Egypt’s defensive discipline and resilience ensured they left with a point.

The opening exchanges set the tone for a bruising contest. Egypt attempted to dictate play through possession, while Angola looked to impose themselves physically and disrupt their opponents’ rhythm.

Angola created the first real opening in the 11th minute when Kialonda Gaspar met a low cross inside the area, but his effort failed to find the target. Egypt responded through Mostafa Mohamed, whose acrobatic overhead kick caused momentary alarm, only for Abdelmaguid to miscue the follow-up.

As the first half wore on, Angola grew in confidence. Chico Banza wasted a promising chance from the edge of the box shortly before the break, before Fredy tested Egyptian goalkeeper Shobeir with a fierce long-range strike that forced a spectacular save in the 44th minute. By half-time, Angola were firmly on the front foot, yet still without reward.

Egypt made several changes after the interval in an attempt to shift momentum, but it was Angola who continued to threaten. Fredy struck the woodwork with a curling free-kick in the 53rd minute and remained at the heart of Angola’s attacking play, driving forward from midfield and probing centrally.

The Palancas Negras sustained their pressure through Mabululu and Modesto, but their final touch repeatedly let them down. The closest moment of the match arrived ten minutes from time when substitute M’Bala Nzola found space in the box, only to see his effort brush the outside of the post.

Egypt, though largely second-best in open play, defended with composure and organisation, soaking up late pressure and seeing out a nervous stoppage time to preserve their clean sheet.

In the end, the draw reflected a match level in goals but not in initiative. Angola were the more enterprising side and may feel they missed an opportunity, while Egypt will be satisfied with a point earned through resolve rather than fluency as the group stage edges closer to its decisive phase.

South Africa 3-2 Zimbabwe

South Africa reached the knockout stages of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after edging a spirited Zimbabwe side 3–2 in a gripping Group B encounter on Monday.

In a match that swung repeatedly and remained in doubt until the final whistle, South Africa showed composure under pressure to secure a victory that could prove decisive in their qualification bid.

Bafana Bafana made the perfect start, striking inside seven minutes. Tshepang Moremi capitalised on a deflected effort, lifting the ball over goalkeeper Arubi to hand South Africa an early lead.

Encouraged by the opener, South Africa pressed forward with confidence, as Thapelo Mbule and Oswin Appollis drove their side’s attacking momentum.

Zimbabwe, however, refused to be overawed. Their response was swift and spectacular. In the 19th minute, Tawanda Maswanhise produced a moment of individual brilliance, weaving past several defenders before unleashing a powerful finish to restore parity and ignite the contest.

After an entertaining first half, South Africa regained control shortly after the restart. Defensive hesitation from Zimbabwe proved costly in the 50th minute, allowing Lyle Foster to pounce and cleverly lob Arubi with a looping header to make it 2–1.

Yet Zimbabwe remained a constant threat. Maswanhise came agonisingly close to drawing level again when his fierce strike rattled the post midway through the second half, underlining the Warriors’ attacking intent.

The decisive moment arrived in the final quarter of an hour. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded South Africa a penalty for a handball by Marvelous Nakamba. Oswin Appollis stepped up and calmly converted from the spot in the 82nd minute, extending South Africa’s lead and seemingly settling the contest.

Zimbabwe were not finished. An own goal from Aubrey Modiba reduced the deficit and sparked a frantic finale, with the Warriors throwing bodies forward in stoppage time in search of an equaliser.

South Africa, though stretched and under sustained pressure, defended resolutely to see out the match. Their ability to withstand Zimbabwe’s late onslaught ensured a vital three points, while the Warriors were left to reflect on a brave performance that ultimately went unrewarded.

The hard-earned win leaves South Africa firmly through to the next round of the competition finishing second with six points, while Zimbabwe will return home after finishing bottom of the group with just one point.

By Agencies